“Last year we were thrilled to become the first UK health insurer to receive B Corp accreditation. As a purpose-led organisation, we’ve always stood for a healthier world, through our positive impact on the environment, in the way we contribute to society, and by governing ourselves in a responsible way,” writes Charlotte Cook, ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) Lead at ICMIF member Simplyhealth (UK).

We are delighted to share this guest blog from Charlotte, in which she talks about the importance for Simplyhealth of having received B Corp accreditation and how being part of the global B Corp movement has given the mutual a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Last year we were thrilled to become the first UK health insurer to receive B Corp accreditation. As a purpose-led organisation, we’ve always stood for a healthier world, through our positive impact on the environment, in the way we contribute to society, and by governing ourselves in a responsible way.

B Corp is all about harnessing the power of business as a force for good. That’s got to ring true and reside deep in the heart and soul of a business. It can’t simply be expected or enforced by leaders. It can’t just be another sound bite on a website.

Becoming B Corp certified is our genuine (and legal) commitment to uphold our purpose, our values and beliefs. To continue to care for our customers, our community, the environment and of course our colleagues. It gives us a framework to measure our actions, hold ourselves accountable and continuously improve our business. It also gives us the chance to support other businesses to become a force for good, too.

For over 150 years we have been driven by the small moments, the everyday interactions we have with our customers, the corridor conversations amongst colleagues and the weekly collaborations with community groups and charities. Because it’s our relationships with our stakeholders which serve as the enduring reminder and commitment to our Purpose – why we exist, who we are here for and ultimately, how we choose to do business.

Over the last 12 months, being part of the global B Corp movement has given us a renewed sense of hope for the future. Being amongst other like-minded businesses, who like us, have chosen to use business as a force for good, rubs off. We feel even more inspired and determined to lead by example. To strive to be a better version of ourselves. To further our impact and the impact of others.

Our first year as a B Corp is just the beginning of an exciting journey that has already seen us amplify our voice and deliver our Purpose more powerfully, encouraging other businesses to do the same. Whether it’s networking with like-minded people and companies who share our concerns and aspirations for the future, building new partnerships and prioritising B Corps and other organisations with strong ESG values within our own supply chain, or attracting and retaining talent within our organisation, we’re already feeling the benefits of becoming a B Corp.

Collective action and collaboration sit at the heart of the B Corp community. The world’s most challenging global problems cannot be solved by governments and not-for-profits alone. It will require the power of all businesses too. That’s why we believe the more B Corp businesses, the better the outcome. We genuinely believe that our business can continue to become a greater force for good for the next 150 years.

We look forward to welcoming and working with many more people who share in our Purpose and passion to use business as a force for good. If this is of interest to you, we’d love to hear from you and help in any way we can. Please get in touch with Charlotte Cook via email: [email protected]

You can find out more about Simplyhealth’s B Corp journey in their recently published Force for Good 22/23 Report – B Corp Certified | Simplyhealth.